Barcelona Responds to Real Madrid's Allegations Over Referee Payments
Barcelona's Legal Team Investigates Claims by Real Madrid President
Barcelona, Spain - In light of recent statements made by Real Madrid's president, Florentino Perez, during a press conference, the newly crowned La Liga champions have announced that their legal team is thoroughly reviewing his claims. Perez accused Barcelona of making substantial payments to Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, a former vice-president of the Spanish Referees' Committee, from 2001 to 2018.
After Real Madrid's defeat to their rivals Barcelona, which allowed the latter to secure their La Liga title, Perez expressed his frustration, alleging that referees had unfairly cost his team 18 points this season.
Perez attributed Madrid's 14-point gap in the standings, with three matches remaining, not to their own performance but to perceived referee bias, particularly concerning Negreira. Reports suggest that Barcelona paid over seven million euros to Negreira during the specified period, with the public prosecutor's office alleging these payments were for favorable officiating. However, Barcelona maintains that the funds were for consultancy and reports, as stated by a sports news outlet.
In response to Perez's accusations, Barcelona released a statement on their official website, indicating that their legal department is currently analyzing the claims and determining the appropriate course of action. They assured that any decisions made will be communicated when deemed necessary.
During the press conference, Perez expressed his discontent, stating that he has only secured seven La Liga titles during his presidency, claiming he should have won 14. He remarked, "I have won only seven La Liga titles with Real Madrid!? I should have 14. They stole the other seven from me." He reiterated his belief that referees have unjustly taken 18 points from his team this season.
Perez further criticized the ongoing involvement of referees from the Negreira era, questioning the integrity of their officiating. He stated, "The same referees from the Negreira era are still in action. They are still officiating. That makes no sense. Barca paid for Negreira's services for two decades, and these referees are still active in the third decade."